The White House is defending the National Security Agency following a new report that the agency has been scanning the data it collects to map out some Americans� social connections.

The New York Times reports the tracking started in 2010, allowing the government to identify some Americans� associates, their locations at certain times and their traveling companions. The Times cites documents provided by NSA leaker Edward Snowden.

White House spokesman Jay Carney says he won�t comment on specific intelligence activities. But he says the NSA�s activities are directed against foreign intelligence targets and geared toward targeting security risks like terrorism.

Carney says U.S. intelligence collection is similar to what other nations do. He says NSA�s procedures are approved by the attorney general and, in certain circumstances, a federal oversight court.

(AP)